Melanie A. Ziegler, 65, of Fort Thompson, went home to be with the Lord on January 14 ^th , 2021.

Celebration of Life for Melanie will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday January 23 ^rd , 2021 at the Lower Brule Community Center in Lower Brule, SD with burial in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at Lower Brule, SD.

Wake services will be at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday January 21 ^st , 2021 at Diamond Willow Ministries in Fort Thompson and at 7:00 p.m. on Friday January 22 ^nd , 2021 at the Lower Brule Community Center in Lower Brule, SD.

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Melanie Ann (Yellow Robe-Battese) Ziegler was born on March 11 ^th , 1955 in Igloo, SD to Julia (DeWitt) and Philip Yellow Robe. She attended school in Rosebud, SD and Hot Springs, SD. In October 1971, she moved to Lower Brule, SD; graduating from Lower Brule High School in May 1973.

Melanie's most tender memories of her childhood were the times she spent with her family. She developed a close bond with many of her cousins, which she often referred to as her siblings. She carried a deep love for her brothers Paul, Philip, her sisters Cheryl and Cecille. Melanie and Cecille were inseparable; she lovingly called Cecile by her nickname, Sue.

Melanie loved to joke, tease and prank; she had an infectious laugh. Her family and friends were receiving of her humor. She had a close bond with her father, Philip. She fondly recalled many stories of teasing him.

Melanie met the love of her life, Victor Roy Ziegler Sr., in April of 1977. For 23 years they shared joy and overcame sorrows together. To their union, eleven children were born (Courtney Brooke, Zane Cameron, Rory-Anne Desiree Joy, Kristin Paige, Jordan Christopher, Jameson Royce, Zachery Lee, Jonathan Linn, Stephen-Paul Nathaniel, Aimee Noelle and Victor Roy Jr.) and one baby remained with the Lord.

During the fall of 1985, Melanie became a born-again Christian. Her faith carried her through the trials and seasons of life. She lovingly offered faith rooted encouragement to her children and family. it may have been a bible verse, devotional reading, inspirational saying or a prayer.

Melanie's greatest joy was being a mother and she took delight in being a grandmother to her many grandkids and the children of her nieces and nephews. She touched the lives of numerous people that entered her home and left as family. She opened her home to anyone in need of encouragement, love, a meal, or place to rest. She created many lifelong friendships with people of all ages.

Melanie lived her life in a simple and humble way. She encouraged kindness, compassion, and love; only wanting the best for her family.

Melanie Ann blessed many hearts for 65 years before entering into eternal glory and into the arms of her Savior Jesus on Thursday, January 14, 2021 in Fort Thompson, SD.

She is survived by her mother Julia Yellow Robe, brothers Paul Battese and Philip Battese Sr., sister Cecille Battese, the love of her life Victor R. Ziegler Sr., daughters Courtney (Jonathan) Odegard, Rory-Anne Ziegler, Kristin Ziegler, Aimee Ziegler, sons Zane Ziegler, Jordan Ziegler, Jameson Ziegler, Zachery L. Ziegler, Jonathan (Eileen) Ziegler, Stephen-Paul (Lacey) Ziegler, Victor Ziegler Jr., and grandchildren Maci, Tori, Zoei, Jonathan Vilas, Gage, Aidan, Lilianna, Laila, Yuri, Jackson, Luikasee, Zavion, Angel, Anzly "Rose", Julian, Jaymes, Jerrik, Keya, Tanice, Nathaniel, Kaysha, Adam, Madison, Shiloh, Shikira, Raeanna, Stacie, Stevie, Prince, Laura, Victoria, Anthony, Alijah, a special friend Lucille Skunk, and many relatives and friends, whom she cherished, too many to mention.

Preceding her in death are her father Philip Yellow Robe, sisters Camille Yellow Robe, Cheryl Battese, and Laura May Yellow Robe, Brothers Paul Richard Yellow Robe, Luther Yellow Robe, child-Baby Ziegler, her special uncle Everett DeWitt, and nieces Rayona Battese and Miranda Good Low.